Recently the popular mindset of men on women has shown their true colours. For many years I was of the opinion that our men folk were the best comparing to others. They don’t involve in rape, hardly any perverts etc, but soon all those ugly evils surfaced in our society and now the recent uproar on the 33% reservation issue.
At the outset, I beg apology to those few men and brothers who think and support the women’s rights as I have to address men in general. Any reasonable woman will disagree with Women’s Lib. Movement of the US. It is considered as an extremist movement. But being a democratic citizen, it is expected that women participate and contribute their abilities side by side with the male citizens. But the recent hues and cries of several male-dominated organisations vehemently voicing out against the reservation make the women think again of the popular men mindset. We have read many write-ups by various organizations, appended with articles from the constitution and supplemented with customary laws. Through those write-ups we, no doubt, come to know that they are quite literate, well-read people, could be even holding double PhD degrees. But I say they are not educated enough because their reasoning is not very justifiable (Education has wider connotation than literacy.) In justifying their stands they are only showing their insecurities, tainted with their egos (i.e. from property inheritance to their image). The state government is giving only 33% to the women and the rest 67% to men. But some male chauvinistic P.. (MCP) want 100% control over their MOTHER land. (Excuse the pun)
Let us think of some issues which directly or indirectly hamper our socio-economic development. We have many drunkards and abusive men who depend on their women’s incomes. The vegetable market, flea market etc are run by women. Many women and girls gave up their studies and even basic needs to support their brothers and families. A girl is raped but proper measures are not taken. We only see the womenfolk going for procession with placards and voicing out their condemnations. A woman is abused and is expected to be kept quiet etc. Then again there are killings, extortions, illegal immigrants etc, mounting up each day. These few issues alone question men’s credibility. Ponder over these few questions – are men doing enough for women? When so many social and economic issues are left unattended, why waste time fighting against women? Why suppress the women who are willing to bring development to the society? How much the womenfolk will bear the suppression and abuse? Are they not rational human beings? Are they just a tool to be used and abused? Are they just existing to exercise proxy votes to benefit some cheap and corrupted leaders?
Instead of fighting against 33% reservation for women it is high time women are allowed to participate alongside the male counterparts and tackle those socio-political issues which are hindering the development of our economy. Our mindset need to change. We should allow the women to take part in our state (the grassroots level) and support them further to higher platforms like national and international levels, instead of fighting within ourselves and feeling confused between the top and the grassroots levels of this small corner.
While voicing on this issue, I, on behalf of all the women, extend my deep appreciation to men like Al Ngullie, Vesekhoyi Tetseo and all those like-minded men for their firm belief in women and for being just and reasonable. You are what we call “Real man!” Women are done with muscle powers and inflated egos which blind sanity.
Lastly, let’s all sleep over this thought – “Suppression of women is suppression of development.”
Kenei K. Metha
Para Medical Colony, Kohima
